H & B Plumbing & Heating has been serving Walker and the surrounding Kent County area since 1946, and the work we do today is the same work we have always done: show up, fix the problem, and leave the job better than we found it. We are locally owned and operated plumbers handling everything from a dripping kitchen faucet to a full commercial pipe replacement. Homeowners, landlords, property managers, and business owners across Walker and West Michigan count on us for same-day service and emergency response when something goes wrong and waiting is not an option. Hire local and you hire people who stand behind the work.
You schedule it. We fix it. Simple as that.
From a single shutoff valve to a whole-home repipe, we've seen it all, and we bring that experience to every job whether the address is a single-family home, a rental property, or an office building.
Leaky faucets, running toilets, slow drains, low water pressure, and failing supply lines are the everyday plumbing problems Walker homeowners call us about. We diagnose the issue, explain what we found, and get it fixed. Work is performed by licensed plumbers who know Michigan code and take the job seriously. Whether it is a bathroom drip that has been going on too long or a kitchen line that finally gave out, we handle it cleanly and completely.
Property managers, landlords, and business owners need a plumbing contractor who responds quickly and documents the work. We service apartment complexes, condos, office buildings, and retail spaces throughout the Walker area. Tenant complaints do not wait for a convenient time, and neither do we. Call us for routine repairs, fixture upgrades, or urgent service calls and we will coordinate around your schedule and your tenants.
We keep your home dry and your water flowing.
Before a small leak turns into water damage, a slow drain often gives you the warning. We clear clogs, clean lines, and repair sewer pipe problems before they become full-scale emergencies.
A blocked kitchen drain, a backed-up bathroom sink, or a floor drain that refuses to clear can stop a household or a business in its tracks. We use professional drain cleaning equipment to cut through grease, soap buildup, and debris. For stubborn clogs and recurring backups, hydro jetting clears the line thoroughly rather than just pushing the problem further down. Same-day drain cleaning is available for urgent situations.
Call and we'll handle the leaks, drains, and fixtures.
A sewer backup is one of the messiest plumbing problems a property owner can face. We locate the blockage, clear the main line, and assess whether a repair or replacement is needed. Our sewer line work covers the pipe running from your home to the city connection or to where it exits your property. We speak to the line itself: clearing it, repairing it, or replacing it. If tree roots have invaded or a section of pipe has collapsed, we walk you through the options and get the work scheduled.
Losing hot water is an inconvenience at best and a real problem for families, tenants, and businesses. We repair and replace both tank-style and tankless water heaters, and we carry experience with all major brands and configurations.
A failing tank, a pilot that will not stay lit, inconsistent water temperature, or a unit that has simply reached the end of its service life are all reasons to call us. We diagnose the issue and give you a straight answer about whether a repair makes sense or a replacement is the better value. Tankless water heater installation is a popular upgrade for Walker homeowners who want on-demand hot water and better energy efficiency.
Work is performed by licensed plumbers, and we stand behind the plumbing done right the first time. We pick up the phone. We arrive on time. We test before we leave.
Choosing the right plumbing fix is easier than it sounds, but only when you know where the problem actually is. We locate leaks that are hiding behind walls, under floors, or in supply lines running through your home.
A water stain on the ceiling or an unexplained spike in your water bill often points to a leak somewhere in the supply system. We use proven detection methods to find the source without unnecessary demolition. Once we locate the leak, we repair or replace the affected section of pipe and verify the fix before we leave. We also handle shutoff valve replacement and backflow prevention work as part of a complete water line service.
Older homes in Kent County often have original copper or galvanized steel pipe that has reached the end of its useful life. Pinhole leaks, discolored water, and chronic low pressure are signs the whole system may need attention. We repipe with copper or PEX depending on the home's layout and the homeowner's preference. A repipe visit starts with a walkthrough so you know exactly what the job involves before any work begins. Your pipes are in good hands with us.
Don't let a small leak turn into a flooded floor. A worn faucet seat, a running toilet flapper, or a garbage disposal that has seized up are quick fixes when you catch them early.
We install and repair kitchen and bathroom faucets, sinks, toilets, showerheads, and tub fixtures for homeowners and rental properties throughout Walker. If you are upgrading a bathroom or replacing a kitchen fixture, we handle the installation so the connection is solid and code-compliant. Garbage disposal installation and repair rounds out this work: whether the unit has stopped working or you are installing a new one for the first time, we get it done cleanly. We keep you informed from diagnosis to final test so there are no surprises when the bill comes.
Pick up the phone and we'll handle the pipes.
Low water pressure affects showers, appliances, and irrigation. High pressure wears out fixtures and supply lines faster than they should. We diagnose pressure problems at the source, whether that is a failing pressure regulator, a partially closed shutoff valve, or a supply line restriction.
Shutoff valve replacement is straightforward work that matters a great deal when an emergency hits and you need the water off fast. We replace main shutoffs, fixture shutoffs, and angle stops throughout the home.
We also handle gas line repair and installation on the plumbing side: the supply line running to a water heater, an outdoor grill connection, or a new appliance stub-out. We work on the line and the valve. If you suspect a gas leak, leave the building and call us immediately. Same-day response is available for gas line emergencies.
West Michigan winters are serious. Deep sub-freezing temperatures, heavy snowfall, and hard frost penetration put real stress on pipes, drainage systems, and any plumbing that runs through a crawl space, garage, or exterior wall. As locally owned and operated plumbers based right here in Walker, we handle these calls every season and know exactly what Michigan homes need to get through winter without a plumbing failure.
When temperatures drop hard and fast, pipes in unheated spaces freeze and can burst before a homeowner realizes there is a problem. A burst pipe can release a significant amount of water in a short time. We respond quickly, stop the flow, and repair or replace the damaged section. If your pipes have frozen but not yet burst, call us before the thaw. We can safely restore flow and assess whether the pipe is still structurally sound.
Spring snowmelt and heavy rain push groundwater against basement walls and floors across Kent County. A working sump pump is the first line of defense against a flooded basement. We install new sump pumps, replace failed units, and repair pumps that are running but not keeping up. Most Walker homes sit on full basements, which makes sump pump reliability a genuine seasonal concern rather than an optional upgrade.
Supply lines in crawl spaces, garages, and exterior walls are vulnerable once temperatures fall below freezing. A winterization visit from our team covers insulating exposed pipes, checking for gaps where cold air can reach the plumbing, and installing or replacing frost-free hose bibs so outdoor faucets do not become a problem when the cold arrives. Getting this done before the first hard freeze is always easier than dealing with the repair after.
Plumbing emergencies do not wait for business hours. A burst pipe, a sewage backup, a water heater that has failed overnight, or a gas line concern needs a real response from someone who can actually be there.
When you call us, a local person answers. We give you a straight assessment over the phone, and we dispatch to Walker and the surrounding area for same-day and emergency service calls. We pick up the phone. We arrive on time. We test before we leave.
If you are renovating a kitchen or bathroom, we handle the rough-in and finish plumbing so the project meets code and passes inspection. New construction plumbing is work we have been doing for decades across Kent County. For homeowners preparing to list a property, a plumbing inspection and any needed repairs before the sale can prevent a deal from falling apart at the last minute. Call for a quote and we will walk you through what the job involves and what it will cost.
We keep your home dry and your water flowing.
We serve Walker and the communities around it throughout Kent County, including Comstock Park, Grandville, Wyoming, Kentwood, Rockford, Standale, and Alpine Township. Whether you are a few blocks from our home base or on the far side of the county, we make the drive and bring the same quality of work to every address.
We offer same-day emergency response for burst pipes, major leaks, sewage backups, and loss of hot water. We are available every day from 6:00 AM to 10:30 PM, and when you call with an emergency, we prioritize getting to you quickly. Call (616) 369-4289 and we will tell you what to do right away while we are on the way.
A burst pipe, a sewage backup, a major water leak that cannot be stopped at the fixture, sudden loss of hot water, and a suspected gas line issue all qualify as emergencies. If water is actively damaging your home or you cannot shut off the flow, call us immediately. When in doubt, call and describe what you are seeing, and we will help you determine how urgent the situation is.
If there is active water flow, locate your main shutoff valve and turn it off. Do not use electrical switches or outlets near standing water. If you suspect a gas issue, leave the building and call from outside. When you call us, we will walk you through the right steps for your specific situation so you can limit damage while we are on the way.
We use proven leak detection methods to locate the source without tearing apart more of your home than necessary. Signs like unexplained increases in your water bill, damp spots with no visible source, or consistently low pressure throughout the house are all reasons to have the supply system inspected. Once we find the leak, we repair or replace the affected section and pressure-test the line before we leave.
We start by checking where the problem is showing up. A single slow drain usually points to a local blockage in that fixture's line. When multiple drains are slow at the same time, or when you are seeing sewage backup in a floor drain or a low fixture, that points to a problem in the main sewer line. We use sewer camera inspection to confirm what is happening inside the pipe when the issue is not clear from the surface.
Drain cleaning removes a blockage in the pipe. A sewer line repair addresses physical damage to the pipe itself, such as root intrusion that has cracked the line, a collapsed section, or a joint that has separated. Camera inspection tells us which situation we are dealing with. If a cleaning solves the problem, we stop there. If the pipe needs repair or replacement, we walk you through the options and the cost before any work begins.
If the unit is relatively new and the problem is a failed component like a heating element, thermostat, or pressure relief valve, a repair usually makes sense. If the tank is corroding, leaking from the bottom, or more than ten to fifteen years old, replacement is typically the better value. We assess the unit honestly and give you a straight answer about which path serves you better long term.
Rust-colored water, a rumbling or popping noise from the tank, water pooling around the base of the unit, inconsistent water temperature, and a water heater that is more than a decade old are all signs worth taking seriously. Any one of these is a reason to have the unit inspected before it fails completely and leaves you without hot water.
A tankless water heater heats water on demand rather than keeping a full tank warm around the clock, which reduces energy use and frees up space in a utility room. The upfront installation cost is higher than a tank replacement, but many homeowners find the long-term efficiency worth it. We walk you through both options honestly so you can decide what fits your home and your budget.
A repipe visit starts with a walkthrough so you understand exactly what the job involves before work begins. We assess the existing pipe, confirm the material and routing, and explain the scope. We repipe using copper or PEX depending on the home's layout and your preference. The work is performed by licensed plumbers, and we test the system thoroughly before we consider the job complete.
Pinhole leaks that keep appearing in different locations, discolored or metallic-tasting water, consistently low pressure throughout the house, and visible corrosion on exposed pipe are all signs that the supply system may be at the end of its useful life. Homes in Kent County with original galvanized steel pipe are particularly worth having assessed. We can walk through the system and give you an honest picture of its condition.
When a job requires a permit and inspection under Michigan code, we handle that process as part of the work. We do not skip steps that are required for the job to be done correctly and safely. If you have questions about whether your specific job requires a permit, ask when you call for a quote and we will give you a straight answer.
H & B Plumbing & Heating has been part of this community for nearly 80 years, and every job we take on reflects that history. We are locally owned, we answer our own phone, and we send licensed plumbers who take the work seriously. Whether you need a faucet replaced today or a full repipe scheduled for next week, the path is the same: call us, describe the problem, and we will give you a straight quote.
Call (616) 369-4289 to schedule service or request a quote.
You schedule it. We fix it. Simple as that.
We handle the full range of residential and commercial plumbing in Walker and across Kent County. Whether you are dealing with a slow drain, a failed water heater, or a burst pipe on a February morning, the work gets done carefully and completely. The table below covers what each service includes, who it fits best, and a practical note to help you plan. Call (616) 369-4289 for a quote on any of these.
| Plumbing Service | What It Covers | Recommended For | Things to Keep in Mind |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drain Cleaning & Clog Removal | sink, tub, and floor drain clearing, sewer camera inspection, hydro jetting for heavy buildup | homeowners and landlords with slow or blocked drains | A camera inspection tells us whether the clog is at the fixture or deeper in the main line, which changes the approach entirely. |
| Faucet & Fixture Installation | faucet repair and replacement, bathroom and kitchen fixture upgrades, outdoor and hose bib repair | homeowners upgrading fixtures or dealing with drips and leaks | We handle the supply line connections and shutoff valves as part of the installation so the finish work is clean and code-compliant. |
| Emergency Plumbing | burst pipe response, major leak containment, same-day and after-hours availability | any situation where waiting until morning is not an option | We are available every day from 6:00 AM to 10:30 PM, including weekends, for calls that cannot wait for a scheduled appointment. |
| Water Pressure & Shutoff Valve Repair | low pressure diagnosis, pressure regulator adjustment or replacement, shutoff valve repair and replacement | households with inconsistent pressure or valves that no longer close fully | A shutoff valve that does not close is a liability in any emergency. We check operation and replace valves that cannot be relied on. |
| Pipe Insulation & Winterization | supply line insulation in unheated spaces, outdoor faucet shutoff and drain, pre-freeze pressure check | homeowners preparing for Michigan winters before pipes become a problem | Preventive winterization is far less expensive than a burst pipe repair and the water damage that follows. |
| Water Heater Repair & Replacement | tank and tankless units, efficiency and corrosion assessment, flush service for existing units | homeowners with aging, inefficient, or failing water heaters | We explain repair versus replacement before any work begins so you can make an informed call on the investment. |
| Garbage Disposal Service | disposal installation and replacement, jam clearing and reset, drain line connection | homeowners with a failing or noisy disposal | We match the unit to the household's usage and connect it properly to the drain line so the install holds up over time. |
| Leak Detection & Repair | hidden supply line leaks, under-slab leak location, pipe repair and resealing | anyone noticing unexplained water bills or damp spots | Catching a slow leak early prevents the kind of structural damage that costs far more to fix than the leak itself. |
| Sump Pump Installation | new sump pump installation, pump replacement and sizing, emergency response for active flooding | Walker-area homes with basements facing spring snowmelt and heavy rain | A failing pump during a Kent County rain event can mean a flooded basement. We assess the existing setup and recommend the right unit for the space. |
| Sewer & Main Line Service | sewer camera inspection, root intrusion and blockage clearing, sewer line repair and replacement | homes with recurring backups or older cast iron and clay tile lines | Walker-area homes with original sewer lines are good candidates for a camera inspection before a backup forces the issue. |
| Frozen & Burst Pipe Repair | emergency burst pipe response, safe pipe thawing, pressure testing after repair | homeowners dealing with freeze damage in crawl spaces, exterior walls, or unheated garages | West Michigan freeze-thaw cycles put supply lines at real risk. We respond same-day because a burst pipe cannot wait. |
| Toilet Repair & Installation | running and leaking toilet repair, full toilet replacement, flange and supply line service | households and rental units with persistent toilet problems | A running toilet can waste hundreds of gallons a day. Most repairs are straightforward and completed in a single visit. |
How do I know if my water heater needs to be replaced or just repaired?
Age is the first factor. A tank water heater that is more than ten to twelve years old and showing signs of rust, sediment buildup, or inconsistent heat is usually a better candidate for replacement than repair. If the unit is newer and the issue is a failed element or a faulty thermostat, a repair often makes more sense. When you call us, we assess the unit, explain what we find, and give you an honest comparison of both options before any work begins.
What causes drains to clog and back up repeatedly?
Most household clogs come from grease, soap buildup, hair, and debris that accumulate over time in the drain line. When a drain backs up repeatedly after clearing, the problem is usually deeper in the line. Older homes in the Walker area with cast iron or clay tile sewer lines can also develop root intrusion, which a snake alone will not resolve. A sewer camera inspection shows exactly what is happening inside the pipe so we address the right problem, not just the symptom.
What is the difference between snaking a drain and hydro jetting?
A drain snake punches through a clog and restores flow, which is often all that is needed. Hydro jetting uses high-pressure water to scour the interior of the pipe, removing grease coating, mineral scale, and root fragments that snaking leaves behind. For lines with heavy buildup or repeat blockages, hydro jetting clears the pipe more thoroughly and gives the line a longer clean interval before the next service is needed.
Same-Day and Emergency Availability
We are available every day from 6:00 AM to 10:30 PM, including weekends. When a pipe bursts or the hot water goes out, we respond the same day because some problems cannot wait for a scheduled appointment.
What are the signs of a sewer or main line problem?
Multiple drains backing up at the same time is the most common sign. You might also notice gurgling sounds from toilets when you run water elsewhere in the house, sewage odor near floor drains, or wet spots in the yard above where the sewer line runs. Any of those symptoms warrants a camera inspection so we can see what is happening inside the line before a full backup forces the issue.
How do you find a hidden leak?
We start by looking at the obvious indicators: water meter movement when all fixtures are off, damp spots on walls or ceilings, and unexplained increases in the water bill. For leaks that are not visible at the surface, we use pressure testing and inspection equipment to narrow down the location. Under-slab leaks require locating the line precisely before any concrete work so we minimize disruption to the floor.
What should I do if a pipe bursts?
Shut off the main water supply to the house immediately to stop the flow. If the burst is near electrical wiring or a panel, do not wade into standing water. Then call us. We respond same-day to burst pipe emergencies because the damage compounds quickly once water is moving through walls or flooring. We thaw frozen pipes safely when the pipe has not yet burst and make the repair when it has, then pressure-test the line before we leave.
Upfront Quotes With No Surprise Fees
We give you a clear quote before any work begins and explain any variables that could affect the final cost. No work starts until you have approved the price.
How does a sump pump failure lead to a flooded basement?
A sump pump collects groundwater that accumulates around the foundation and discharges it away from the house. When the pump fails during a heavy rain event or rapid snowmelt, that water has nowhere to go and enters the basement through the floor or foundation walls. West Michigan springs put heavy demand on sump pumps, and a unit that is aging, running constantly, or cycling without fully clearing the pit is a sign that a replacement visit makes sense before the next storm.
When is it worth calling a plumber instead of attempting a DIY fix?
Simple tasks like replacing a toilet flapper or tightening a supply line connection are reasonable DIY work for a careful homeowner. The situation changes when the fix requires cutting into walls, working on main supply or drain lines, or dealing with a water heater. Mistakes on those jobs can mean water damage, failed inspections, or a repair that costs more to undo than the original problem. If you are unsure, a quick call to describe what you are seeing is usually enough for us to tell you whether it warrants a visit.
Work Performed by Licensed Plumbers
Every job we take on is handled by licensed plumbers who know this area and stand behind their work. We keep you informed from diagnosis to final test so you always know what was done and why.
Do I need to be home when the plumber arrives?
It helps to have someone present who can show us where the main shutoff is and describe the problem firsthand. If you cannot be there, let us know when you call and we can talk through how to arrange access. We confirm the plan before we arrive so there are no delays on the day of the visit.
How do estimates and pricing work?
You will have a clear quote before any work begins. Plumbing costs vary by job, and we will not pretend otherwise, but we explain any variables upfront so there are nothing unexpected on the invoice. No work is approved without your sign-off. Calling with a description of what you are dealing with is the fastest way to get a real number.
Are you available for same-day and after-hours plumbing service?
Yes. We are available every day from 6:00 AM to 10:30 PM, including Saturdays and Sundays. Same-day service is available for most calls, and we respond immediately to emergencies including burst pipes, major leaks, and loss of hot water. When you call, we talk through what you are dealing with and give you a realistic arrival window.
Every situation is a little different, and the fastest way to get a real answer for yours is to call us at (616) 369-4289 for a quote.
(616) 369-4289